United States

Background
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years as a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A greater emphasis on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has led to enhanced adoption of acupuncture in Western medicine. While traditional acupuncture relies on surface landmarks and empirical knowledge, modern imaging techniques offer the opportunity to more precisely understand the proximity of critical neurovascular structures to needled sites. Peripheral nerves are particularly vulnerable to inadvertent injury at acupoints underlying nerves are superficial to dense osseo-ligamentous structures. Despite these risks, there is limited data quantifying the spatial relationships between acupuncture needles and adjacent nerves. Ultrasound imaging provides a non-invasive, real-time method for visualizing both acupuncture needle placement and underlying anatomical structures. Accordingly, this study aims to map the relative distance between inserted acupuncture needles and nearby peripheral nerves at selected acupoints, providing an evidence-based framework for safer clinical practice.
Methods
Ultrasonography was utilized in a physician-led acupuncture clinic to assess the distance of the acupuncture needle to nerves (NTN) at two specific acupoints (ACPs): Pericardium 6 (PC 6) and Kidney 3 (KI 3). These two points were selected because of their high clinical significance, relationship to underlying nervous structures, and ease of visualization via ultrasound. With informed consent from patients attending their scheduled acupuncture appointments, a physician, trained and board certified in medical acupuncture, located the selected ACP. Ultrasonography was performed to identify the underlying nerves. The site was then cleaned, and an acupuncture needle was inserted to achieve de qi by the physician. Ultrasonography was performed at the site again to identify the location of the needle. The NTN distance is measured and recorded. 
Results
The data collection and analysis are currently ongoing, and no results are yet available. 
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the value of ultrasound in visualizing anatomical structures relevant to acupuncture practice. By mapping the spatial relationships between acupuncture needles and underlying peripheral nerves, this work contributes to a growing body of evidence aimed at improving the safety and anatomical precision of acupuncture treatments. Although data collection and analysis are ongoing, preliminary findings are expected to inform clinical decision-making and guide safer needling practices, particularly in regions where nerves lie superficially. Limitations include the variability in individual anatomical presentations and the technical challenges of standardizing needle insertion depth and angle. Future work will benefit from larger sample sizes and functional outcome data to further refine anatomical risk mapping in acupuncture.

AMA Research Challenge 2025 

Anatomical Risk Mapping of Peripheral Nerves in Acupuncture via Ultrasound


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Background
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure, papilledema, and often transverse sinus stenosis, in the absence of imaging or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities. Current treatments focus primarily on medical management, weight loss, and dural venous sinus stenting. However, inspired by arachnoid granulation function, a novel endovascular device may show significant potential in improving IIH management. The eShunt System is a transdural shunt deployed via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) to drain CSF from the cerebellopontine angle cistern (CPAC) into the internal jugular vein. Although it has shown promising results in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, the implant’s applicability in IIH remains undefined. This study aims to characterize the morphometrics of cisternal, venous, and skull base anatomy in adult patients with IIH-associated dural venous sinus stenosis and evaluate them against minimum required dimensions for safe deployment of the eShunt implant.

Methods
High-resolution T1-weighted Gadolinium-enhanced brain MRIs of IIH patients post-venous sinus stenting at Tufts Medical Center (Boston, MA) were retrospectively analyzed to measure CPAC depth, IPS diameter, IPS angle, and cerebellar tonsillar descent; pertinent history and demographics were also assessed.

Results
Sixty adult patients (ages 18-77, 50 females) were included. Median CPAC depth was 4.5 mm and 4.4 mm, while median IPS diameter was 4.1 mm and 3.8 mm, for right and left sides, respectively. CPAC depth trended higher in older (P=0.05) and male (P=0.07) patients, but not significantly. Transverse sinus stenting did not significantly affect cistern dimensions (P=0.8). Endovascular placement of the eShunt implant was possible with stringent (CPAC depth >5mm and IPS diameter >2mm), moderate (CPAC depth >4mm and IPS diameter >2mm), and permissive (CPAC depth >3mm and IPS diameter >2mm) feasibility criteria in 55%, 65%, and 78% of analyzed patients, respectively. Interestingly, CPAC depth was found to be inversely correlated with cerebellar tonsillar descent (P<0.01); patients with Chiari I diagnoses tended to have small CPA cisterns. On excluding 26 patients with tonsillar descent below the foramen magnum, eShunt eligibility rose to 62%, 76%, and 91%, under stringent, moderate, and permissive criteria, respectively. Thus, cerebellar tonsillar position emerges as another predictive factor for eShunt eligibility.

Conclusion
A significant proportion of patients with IIH currently treated with dural venous stenting may be suitable candidates for the eShunt implant. Its biomechanical potential for ICP reduction, minimally invasive endovascular deployment, and lack of anti-coagulant and anti-platelet requirements, warrant further clinical investigation of its role in IIH management.

An Endovascular Approach for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Assessing Feasibility of the eShunt Implant using Morphometric Analysis

Background:
Macular edema (ME) is an ocular condition resulting from the accumulation of fluid in the central, most visually important part of the retina, typically as a complication of a retinal or inflammatory disease. Traditionally, laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injections of corticosteroids or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are used to treat ME. However, these treatment options may have a wide array of undesirable side effects or limitations in their usage. In ophthalmology, topical NSAIDs are already largely used for their potent inhibition of inflammatory processes and treatment of postoperative ME. The overall diversity of NSAID agents, their mechanism of action, and risk profile make them a viable alternative option for intravitreal administration. This study sought to present a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injections of NSAIDs for the treatment of macular edema. 
Methods
A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Springer, and Cochrane Library databases, with search terms such as ('cystoid macular edema' OR 'cme' OR 'macular edema' OR 'macula cystoid edema') AND ('intravitreal injection' OR 'intraocular injection' OR 'intra-ocular injection') AND ('non-steroid anti-inflammatory agent' OR 'nsaid' OR 'non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug' OR 'diclofenac' OR 'ketorolac' OR 'bromfenac' OR 'nepafenac' OR 'flurbiprofen') in KEYWORDS and FULL-TEXT on April 4, 2025. Relevant randomized and non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies were included if they involved intravitreal NSAID administration. Risk of bias and certainty were assessed. Data was extracted and evaluated using either narrative synthesis or meta-analysis, depending on the available data. Studies missing data for average best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT) were excluded from the meta-analysis. 
Results
Eight total studies, including six randomized and two nonrandomized trials, reporting 313 subjects and 340 eyes were included. All eight studies validated the safety of intravitreal NSAID agents. Two studies indicated intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction following administration, while others reported no significant IOP changes. Meta-analysis of 110 eyes found nonsignificant functional visual recovery (p=0.07), while meta-analysis of 130 eyes revealed significant reductions in CMT and anatomical improvement (p=0.04). Risk of bias and certainty assessment suggested potential effects of publication bias in the results. 
Conclusion
Intravitreal NSAID treatments for ME were not associated with any adverse reactions. Comparatively, they show insignificant functional gain but significant structural improvement. Although there is uncertain evidence of their efficacy, intravitreal NSAIDs present a viable alternative to current treatment methods and require further investigation in ME management.

Intravitreal Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for the Treatment of Macular Edema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Title: A Diagnostic Dead-End: Chronic Microcytic Anemia in a Medically Complex Patient

Background:
Anemia, defined as hemoglobin <13 g/dL in men, is a common condition with numerous etiologies, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic disease, blood loss, and hemolysis. While most cases have identifiable causes, the etiology of a few remains unknown. Such cases pose a diagnostic challenge, requiring a
multidisciplinary and longitudinal approach. This report presents a patient with chronic microcytic anemia unresponsive to conventional treatment despite an extensive workup.

Case Presentation:
A 65-year-old African-American male with hypertension, stage 3a CKD, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis(RA), monoclonal gammapathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), COPD, gout, and prior H. pylori infection presented with three years of progressive fatigue, lightheadedness, and poor appetite. Hemoglobin consistently oscillated between 7.4-11.5 g/dl over 2.5 years, with microcytic
indices. Iron studies showed low serum iron, transferrin saturation (9.6%), low UIBC, and elevated ferritin (>800 ng/mL), indicating anemia of chronic disease or iron sequestration. The patient received 26 intravenous iron infusions without significant hemoglobin improvement. Renal function declined in 2024 (eGFR 47.1) but improved in 2025 (>90), reducing CKD-related anemia likelihood. Other potential causes, such as vitamin deficiencies, LDH abnormality, thyroid dysfunction, and a
negative Coombs’ test, were ruled out. Upper GI endoscopy confirmed H. pylori, treated successfully; colonoscopy revealed benign polyps. CT chest and PET-CT showed mild mediastinal lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly; biopsy and bronchoalveolar washings were negative for malignancy. Bone marrow biopsy, the gold standard, revealed normocellular marrow with increased storage iron,
mild reticulin fibrosis, and non-diagnostic megakaryocytic atypia. Flow cytometry was unremarkable. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Serum electrophoresis revealed two M-spikes without MGUS progression. Methotrexate was discontinued due to RA remission.
Despite epoetin alfa initiation, hemoglobin response remained minimal.

Discussion:
This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing chronic microcytic anemia in a patient with multiple comorbidities. Iron studies suggested functional iron deficiency in the context of inflammation from his chronic diseases. Despite successful H. pylori treatment, normalized renal function, and extensive hematologic and imaging workup, no unifying etiology was found. The presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages and mild splenomegaly may reflect occult processes such as chronic pulmonary bleeding or altered iron handling. The patient’s limited response to IV iron and erythropoietin supports the role of inflammation-driven impaired iron
utilization and erythropoiesis. Close monitoring remains essential, as subtle or
evolving hematologic pathology cannot be fully excluded, and chronic methotrexate therapy may also contribute to anemia.

A Diagnostic Dead End: Chronic Microcytic Anemia in a Medically
Complex Patient

Abstract Title
Pyridostigmine for the Persistent Ileus
Background
Pyridostigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. By inhibiting the enzyme, pyridostigmine will increase the amount of acetylcholine binding to synapses. This promotes muscular contraction of the gastrointestinal system and stimulates motility. Through this mechanism, pyridostigmine has been shown to reduce post-operative ileus after abdominal surgery and to treat pediatric chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.
Case Presentation
This is a case of a 72-year-old female with a past medical history of heart failure and hypothyroidism, presenting with palpitations and found to have multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT). Patient was afebrile and heart rate ranged from 104-124 bpm. Physical exam was remarkable for tachycardia and a soft, distended, nontender abdomen. Lab work was notable for potassium 3.3, phosphorus 1.8, magnesium 0.8, creatinine 1.4, and lactic acid 4.6. Electrolytes were aggressively repleted. Overnight, the patient had significant abdominal distension and tenderness and could not pass flatus. A nasogastric tube (NGT) was placed for decompression. CT abdomen with PO contrast showed no evidence of obstruction, but dilated bowel loops in ascending and transverse colon, concerning for developing ileus. GI was consulted and recommended rectal tube for further decompression and aggressive bowel regimen. After 4 days, the NGT and rectal tube were removed. Patient had small daily bowel movements with slow advancement to a soft diet. However, her abdominal distension persisted, and serial abdominal X-rays were unchanged. On hospital day 15, her abdominal distension worsened so her diet was changed back to liquids. Given the persistence of ileus despite electrolyte repletion and discontinuation of any hypomotility medications, pyridostigmine 30mg BID was trialed for 3 days. Patient was able to tolerate a regular diet, had daily bowel movements, and noted improvement in distension. While receiving pyridostigmine, she was monitored on telemetry for cardiac side effects. 
Discussion
Based on prior studies, the recommended dose of pyridostigmine for reducing ileus is 60mg twice a day. The patient should be monitored for side effects, including bradycardia, atrioventricular block, and bronchoconstriction. Given that this patient presented with an arrythmia, pyridostigmine 30mg was trialed to monitor for adverse effects. After tolerating one dose of the medication, she was then started on 30mg twice a day. Her distension improved with this dose, so she was continued on 30mg twice a day. When ileus does not improve with an aggressive bowel regimen and after addressing the underlying cause, such as electrolyte abnormalities, pyridostigmine should be considered in management.

Pyridostigmine for the Persistent Ileus

Background:
Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare but reversible cause of acute flaccid paralysis, resulting from thyrotoxicosis-induced upregulation of the Na+/K+ ATPase in skeletal muscle, leading to a rapid intracellular shift of potassium. TPP affects approximately 0.1%–0.2% of hyperthyroid patients in the U.S., with a strong male and Asian predominance. Normokalemic TPP variants are exceedingly rare and frequently overlooked, particularly in non-Asian populations. We present an unusual case of normokalemic TPP in a young Caucasian woman with overlapping endocrine disorders whose presentation mimicked a spinal cord emergency.
Case Presentation:
A 30-year-old Caucasian woman presented with sudden-onset bilateral lower extremity flaccid paralysis, accompanied by perineal numbness and difficulty initiating urination, lasting approximately two minutes. Past medical history included Sheehan syndrome, hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency.
Initial concern was for cauda equina or conus medullaris syndrome. Further history revealed that she frequently self-adjusted her medications: levothyroxine (100–300 mcg/day) and hydrocortisone (80 mg/day, divided doses). She had withheld both medications for over 36 hours before arrival, which likely contributed to partial biochemical normalization by the time of evaluation.
On exam, she exhibited persistent perineal numbness, urinary hesitancy, and bradycardia; an unexpected finding in the context of thyrotoxicosis. MRI of the brain and entire spine was unremarkable effectively ruling out spinal cord emergencies, demyelinating processes, transverse myelitis and a spinal abscess. Laboratory testing revealed:
• TSH 0.008 uIU/mL
• Free T4 1.51 ng/dL
• Total T3 0.85 ng/mL
• Potassium 4.4 mmol/L
• Cortisol 68.86 mcg/dL
She reported multiple classic TPP triggers: intense physical activity, heat exposure, a high-carbohydrate meal, and acute emotional stress. Despite normal potassium and borderline thyroid labs, the overall presentation was consistent with normokalemic TPP.
Discussion:
TPP is a hormonally driven channelopathy in which excess thyroid hormone enhances Na+/K+ ATPase activity, shifting potassium intracellularly, hyperpolarizing the resting membrane potential, and rendering skeletal muscle fibers temporarily inexcitable. This hyperpolarization prevents adequate depolarization by inactivating voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in transient flaccid paralysis.
In hyperthyroid states, elevated T3 and T4 can rapidly decline due to increased type 3 deiodinase activity, masking the biochemical severity. Normokalemia may also reflect post-event normalization of serum potassium.
This patient’s exogenous levothyroxine and hydrocortisone misuse magnified the intracellular shift: thyroxine directly increases ATPase expression, while cortisol enhances β-adrenergic sensitivity. Combined with physiologic triggers, this created a transient but dramatic neuroendocrine storm.
Recognizing TPP, particularly in atypical presentations, is essential to avoid unnecessary invasive workups, inappropriate steroid escalation, and iatrogenic harm.

The Paralysis Paradox: A Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis Masquerading As A Spinal Cord Emergency

Background: 
Dissecting aneurysms of the vertebral artery are life-threatening causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage, with higher rupture rates in the posterior circulation. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial, often involving structural vessel wall abnormalities and hemodynamic stress. While beta thalassemia minor is typically considered a benign carrier state, it can contribute to endothelial dysfunction and vascular injury. We present a case of a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm in a patient with beta thalassemia and discuss whether her hematologic
condition could have played a contributing role. 

Case Presentation:
A 50-year-old woman with history of beta thalassemia minor presented to the ED for altered mental status. On arrival, her GCS declined from 12 to 8, prompting intubation. CT head revealed acute subarachnoid hemorrhage within the basilar cisterns and sylvian fissures and EVD was placed. Diagnostic cerebral angiogram showed right vertebral artery V4 segment irregular fusiform dissecting aneurysm at the takeoff of the right PICA, with the aneurysm measuring 7.1mm in length and 3.7mm in width. Patient underwent deconstruction of the right vertebral artery proximal to the dissection. Despite intervention, the patient deteriorated and was
ultimately declared brain dead. 

Discussion:
Several mechanisms raise the question of whether beta thalassemia could have predisposed this patient to vascular pathology. Beta thalassemia is associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, leading to chronic anemia, which appeared in this patient with baseline hemoglobin of 8-9 g/dL. Anemia reduces oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, leading to tissue hypoxia and cerebral hypoperfusion. In response to
hypoxia, mitochondrial respiration is inefficient which leads to formation of reactive oxygen species. Reactive oxygen species causing oxidative stress and altered nitric oxide metabolism can promote endothelial injury. In response to cerebral hypoperfusion, autoregulatory mechanisms trigger compensatory dilation of cerebral blood vessels to increase cerebral blood flow. But because of the persistent anemia in beta thalassemia, the ability to fully normalize cerebral oxygenation is limited, which can promote vessel wall remodeling, leading to a vessel
that is structurally more vulnerable.

Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Rupture in a Patient with Beta Thalassemia Minor: A Case Report

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases among children, afflicting around 8.1% of school-aged children in the U.S. and contributing significantly to school absenteeism. Effective asthma management requires consistent medication adherence and education, which can be challenging for young children. Because nearly all children attend school and spend much of their day there, schools represent an ideal setting for health interventions. This study evaluates New York City’s Asthma Case Management Program (ACMP), which placed trained case managers in K–8 community schools to support asthma control, medication adherence, and coordination between families and providers. ACMP began in 2015-16 in one school and was rolled out to 32 schools by 2018-19. Using a triple-differences identification strategy motivated by the staggered rollout of ACMP, we studied the effect of a program placing asthma case managers in schools to educate and support children with asthma on school processes and health outcomes. 

Methods: We used student-level data (n=291,813) from the NYC Office of School Health on NYC elementary and middle schools from 2011 to 2019. We developed a triple differences design to study the causal effect of the program by comparing: 1) students with asthma vs. without asthma, 2) schools with vs. without ACMP, and 3) before vs. after the program’s implementation. Outcomes include student absenteeism, school nurse visits, and the completion of Student Asthma Questionnaires (SAQs). We assume no other policies affected these outcomes simultaneously.

Results: After ACMP implementation, students who ever had asthma had one fewer absence per year, on average. There was also an increase of about two nurse visits for medication administration per year, on average. Further investigation suggests this increase was driven by more asthma controller (preventive) medication. Lastly, after implementation, there was about a 44% increase in completed SAQs returned by students with asthma. 

Conclusion: ACMP shows promise in improving both administrative and health-related outcomes for students with asthma. The program led to greater return of administrative forms, suggesting improved care coordination. The program also benefited student outcomes as seen through reduced absences and increased nurse visits for prophylactic asthma management, pointing to better asthma control. This study provides early causal evidence of the benefits of school-based asthma management programs and supports the broader role of schools in chronic disease care for children. 


Asthma Management in Schools: A Tool for Reducing Absenteeism?

Background
Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to open repair, offering improved outcomes. Non-elective EVAR is also associated with worse outcomes compared to elective EVAR with an in-hospital mortality of 14% and 1.9% respectively. Our study aims to validate that non-elective EVAR outcomes are worse than elective EVAR outcomes in a community setting, reinforcing the importance of early detection and intervention. 
Methods
Patient records were evaluated and any patient who underwent an EVAR for an infrarenal AAA from January 2019 to December 2024 was included. Patients were excluded if they had any trauma, if they died prior to intervention, or if they were under the age of 18. A bivariate analysis was done comparing elective vs urgent/emergent cases to compare comorbidities and outcomes. 
Results
The analysis included a total of 113 patients who underwent AAA procedures. The mean age of the patients was 75.4 years (SD = 7.9) and a majority of patients were male (77.8%) and non-Hispanic (78.8%). Most procedures were elective (88.5%, n=100), while urgent procedures accounted for 11.5% (n=13) of cases. The mean fluoroscopy time was 21.26 minutes (SD = 12.44) and the mean AAA size was 5.36 cm (SD = 1.44). The mean estimated blood loss was higher in urgent cases (548.46 mL) compared to elective cases (164.55 mL). Length of stay (LOS) was significantly longer for urgent cases (7.08 days) compared to elective cases (1.68 days) (p = 0.0268, statistically significant at p < 0.05).
Discussion
The significant difference in length of stay of 6 days shows these non-elective cases require more to recover. Non-elective cases also have a higher estimated blood loss during their procedures and were at higher risk of death. This reinforces the importance of aortic screening for early detection and timely referral to Vascular Surgery for intervention.

Elective vs Urgent Endovascular Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm Repair at a Community Hospital

Background: Hispanic Americans comprise about 25% of the United States population but only 3% of orthopaedic surgeons. Therefore, Spanish-speaking patients facing communication barriers may use tools like large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, for medical information. Given the rising use of LLMs for patient education, it is critical to evaluate whether language-based disparities exist in the quality of information provided. While prior research has evaluated ChatGPT’s performance between languages across various specialties, no study has
examined this in sports surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of ChatGPT responses to patient questions about anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in English versus Spanish. We hypothesized ChatGPT will provide generally accurate responses overall, but that responses in English will be more accurate.
Methods: Using methodology consistent with prior orthopaedic research, ten commonly asked patient questions related to ACLR were compiled via review of patient education materials from various orthopaedic institutions. Each question was independently submitted to ChatGPT in both English and Spanish using separate chat threads. Responses were evaluated by two
sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons per language, using a standardized 5-point Likert scale (1 = major errors; 5 = completely accurate). Mean accuracy scores were calculated for each language. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,k]) for average ratings. A Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare average accuracy scores between English and Spanish responses.
Results: Inter-rater reliability was acceptable (ICC = 0.727 for both languages). The mean accuracy score was 4.45±0.69 for English responses and 4.65±0.53 for Spanish responses. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the languages (p = 0.460). Qualitatively, raters indicated most responses provided excellent, detailed summaries, but some responses, particularly regarding graft options, provided outdated information.
Conclusion: There was no significant difference in accuracy between English and Spanish responses generated by ChatGPT to patient questions regarding ACLR. This finding is novel, as no prior studies have evaluated language-based differences in ChatGPT accuracy within sports surgery. Given the noted underrepresentation of Hispanic Americans among orthopaedic surgeons in the United States, these results suggest that ChatGPT may be a valid source of information for Spanish-speaking patients facing language barriers when seeking care for ACL injuries. However, regardless of language, some responses appeared to rely on outdated information. As such, LLMs like ChatGPT should continue to be used with caution in clinical practice.

Accuracy of English vs. Spanish ChatGPT Responses to Patient Questions
about ACL Reconstruction

Background
Social determinants of health (SDOH), particularly food insecurity and related socioeconomic factors, are increasingly recognized as critical influences on health outcomes. Extensive evidence highlights their profound role in shaping health disparities across various populations. This study examines associations between food security-related SDOH and cancer mortality and prevalence in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. 

Methods
Using publicly available census tract-level data from the CDC PLACES, U.S. Census Bureau, and Neighborhood Atlas for the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (Missouri & Kansas) in 2023, linear regressions were performed to assess the relationships between cancer deaths and prevalence and key SDOH variables: total seniors (TractSeniors), housing units receiving SNAP (TractSNAP), population beyond 1/2 mile from a supermarket (lapophalf), and poverty rate (PovertyRate). Multicollinearity was assessed using VIF values; additionally, bivariate Pearson correlations were also performed. The analysis included 131 observations.

Results
Analysis revealed distinct predictors for cancer deaths versus prevalence. For cancer deaths, the model explained 57.8% of the variance, showing significant positive associations with higher proportions of seniors ( β=0.0198, p<0.001), SNAP recipients ( β=0.0211, p=0.001), and limited food access ( β=0.0016, p=0.001). PovertyRate was negatively associated with cancer deaths ( β=−0.1883, p=0.011). Excluding senior population intensified the impact of SNAP recipients ( β=0.0319, p<0.001), limited food access ( β=0.0027, p<0.001), and PovertyRate ( β=−0.3627, p<0.001) on cancer deaths. For crude cancer prevalence, the model explained 18.2% of the variance, with PovertyRate as the sole significant negative predictor (β=−0.0527, p<0.001). Bivariate correlations supported these findings.

Conclusion
Cancer deaths are strongly predicted by age, SNAP participation, and limited food access, underscoring their prominent and independent roles in cancer mortality. In stark contrast, crude cancer prevalence is less directly explained by these variables. The consistent negative association between poverty rate and both cancer deaths and prevalence is a critical and counter-intuitive finding that likely points to significant under-diagnosis or under-reporting in impoverished areas, potentially due to reduced healthcare access, rather than poverty itself being protective. These distinct findings underscore that different underlying drivers influence cancer mortality versus prevalence. Ultimately, this research underscores the profound impact of social determinants on health disparities in cancer outcomes, pinpointing specific census tracts within the Kansas City metropolitan area for targeted public health interventions and policy reform to address the true burden of cancer in vulnerable communities.


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